Does Resisting Temptation Make You Strong or Weak?

Ibn Al-Qayyim said, Opposing desires will allow the servant to acquire strength in his body, his heart, and his speech. Some of the righteous predecessors would say that conquering desires needs more strength than one who could conquer a city by himself.

Modernity teaches people that depriving yourself of what you desire can make you weak, ill, or even cause psychological problems. But in reality, deprivation with respect to our base desires is a source of strength for body, heart, and mind.

Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Opposing desires will allow the servant to acquire strength in his body, his heart, and his speech….